You might know the historical fiction of Jennifer Vanderbes, but just wait until you read Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims. Think thalidomide didn’t affect mothers and children in this country? Think again. Wonder Drug is the hidden American story of thalidomide: yes, it did get to pregnant women and yes there were children born effected by phocomelia in this country. Although the system denied their existence for decades, this beautifully researched book tells their story, as well as the deeply disturbing truth about how this drug was distributed behind the backs of the FDA. Join us.

Book mentioned in this week's episode:

Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims by Jennifer Vanderbes

Easter Island by Jennifer Vanderbes

The Secret of Raven Point by Jennifer Vanderbes

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

These are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs—and Wrecks—America by Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner

Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen

Portrait of a Lady by Henry James


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